Columnar jack concealing device and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a device for concealing and covering a jack for columnar supports and a method of concealing a jack using a jack concealing kit with a columnar support. The device comprises a strap member, a skirt sized and shaped for covering the jack, and a band member for attaching the skirt to the strap member. The strap member is sized and shaped for folding over and enclosing the band member and a portion of the skirt. A further embodiment provides a jack concealing kit for columnar supports. The kit comprises a jack for supporting the columnar support, an adjustable strap member, an adjustable shield member, and an adjustable clamp member. The adjustable clamp member can attach the adjustable shield member with the adjustable strap member to the columnar support. The adjustable shield member can conceal and shield the jack and the adjustable strap member can enclose the adjustable clamp member. Further embodiments of the invention provide adjustable shield members, a stiff skirt, that are constructed of a malleable material that can attach to itself and can be secured to the columnar support for concealing the jack.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/872,899, filed Jun. 2, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to columnar concealing or coveringdevices for jacks and a method of protectively concealing column supportjacks. More specifically, the present invention is primarily intended asa shielding or concealing apparatus or device and a method ofinstallation for jacks that may be used for leveling, supporting andsecuring structural support members on structures such as cabins, homes,buildings, garages, signs, and the like, where the structural supportmembers can include columns, posts, beams, joists and so forth.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Structural support members, such as columns, posts, beams,joists, and so forth are an important structural aspect in constructionof homes, buildings, garages, signs, and the like. Maintaining astructurally secure, level connection between the structural supportmember and the member(s) it supports is critical to the stability of thestructure. Moreover, maintaining a level surface, such as a level roof,is critical to the stability and safety of a structure as well as to theaesthetics imparted to the beholder. Jacks, including adjustable jacks,are often used to maintain this secure connection, to adjust and tolevel a surface, and to compensate for the disparity in the constructionprocess, materials, and so forth. Such disparities can be caused intimber construction, for example, due to the swelling and shrinkagecharacteristics of wood, to swelling and shrinkage of underlying soils,or to the availability and usage of materials that are shorter than therequired material lengths.

[0006] When jacks are used for columnar support securement, aesthetic,structural, and safety issues must be addressed. Protection of the jackfrom slippage or movement, as well as overall aesthetic appearance,become important objectives. These issues can be addressed by concealingand shielding the jack from outside view. In an effort to address theseissues, devices have been developed to conceal and shield jacks andcolumnar members.

[0007] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,268, which issued to Gump,discloses a plastic decorative and protective sheath designed to coverjacks used to stabilize house beams, to lift and level mobile homes andthe like. The '268 jack cover comprises three half-sectioned coveringparts: a capital, a column, and a base and requires adhesives and tongueand groove connections. However, in the field of wood construction, suchas in construction of a log cabin, natural wood aesthetics are importantand the '268 jack cover would extend the full length of the column andwould cover the natural aesthetics of the wood columns used. Moreover,any variation in the height of the column would require an additionalcutting operation of the '268 jack cover and subsequent material waste.Once cut, the '268 jack cover would not fully cover the column shouldthe length increase or if a new, longer column were used. Moreover, oncecut, the '268 jack cover would not completely compensate for theshrinking and swelling dimensions of the underlying column and gaps orfailure points in the parts could weaken the strength and the aestheticsof the cover.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,049,195, which issued to J. H. Leat et al.,discloses Demountable Partitions that utilize stanchions and small screwjack devices. The small screw jacks are covered by molding or skirtingstrips having ribs for insertion into the groove of a channel strip aswell as splayed edges (see FIGS. 1, 7, 10, 11, 12 and 14 of the '195Patent). However, the '195 molding or skirting strips are disclosed inpanel construction and must be manufactured for each wall-to-panel gapsize and orientation. In addition, the molding or skirting stripsrequire the cooperation of specially cut and placed channeling strip(s).This construction technique could become onerous and would affectaesthetics in columnar construction, particularly in wood constructionwhere again, the natural material aesthetics are required.

[0009] It is therefore important and necessary that a columnar coveringdevice for a jack be developed that has universal application withvarying columnar construction sizes, shapes, and lengths, requires fewworking parts, reduces the likelihood of material waste, accommodatesnear immediate access for jack and material adjustments, due to suchcauses as shrinkage and swelling, and is easy to use and manufacture.

[0010] Other objects of my invention, as well as particular features,elements, and advantages thereof, will be elucidated in, or apparentfrom, the following description and the accompanying drawing figures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention provides a columnar covering device for ajack and a method of installing a jack concealing kit for a columnarsupport. According to the present invention a columnar covering devicefor a jack is provided and comprises a strap member, a skirt forcircumferentially covering the jack, and a band member for attaching theskirt to the strap member. The strap member is sized and shaped forfolding over upon itself and for enclosing the band member and a portionof the skirt. The present invention can allow quick access to the jackfor adjusting purposes and can be used, for example, on a columnar jackon a cabin structure.

[0012] In another embodiment, the present invention provides anapparatus for shielding a structure supporting device, such as a jack.The apparatus comprises a first adjustable band member, a secondadjustable band member, and an adjustable shield member for shieldingthe structure supporting device. The second adjustable band member cancouple the first adjustable band member with the adjustable shieldmember and the first adjustable band member can enclose the secondadjustable band member.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the present invention, in combination,an apparatus for shielding a structure supporting device is provided.The combination comprises a first adjustable band member, a secondadjustable band member, an adjustable shield member for shielding thestructure supporting device, and a structural support. The secondadjustable band member can couple the first adjustable band member withthe adjustable shield member and with the structural support. The firstadjustable band member can then enclose the second adjustable bandmember.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, a jack concealingkit for columnar supports is disclosed. The kit comprises a jack forsupporting the columnar support, an adjustable strap member, anadjustable shield member, and an adjustable clamp member. The adjustableclamp member can attach the adjustable shield member with the adjustablestrap member and then attach both to the columnar support. Theadjustable shield member can conceal and shield the jack from view.Finally, the adjustable strap member can enclose the adjustable clampmember and shield it from view for presenting a uniform appearanceblending with the columnar support supported by the jack.

[0015] In still a further embodiment, in combination, a jack concealingstructure for a columnar support of a structure is provided. Thecombination comprises an adjustable, flexible strap, an adjustable,stiff skirt, a mechanically adjustable clamp, an adjustable jack, andthe columnar support. The adjustable jack can support and secure thecolumnar support. The adjustable, flexible strap can surround and engagea portion of the columnar support adjacent the adjustable jack. Themechanically adjustable clamp can attach the adjustable, stiff skirt tothe adjustable, flexible strap and to the columnar support. Then theadjustable, stiff skirt can conceal the adjustable jack as the skirt iscircumferentially adjustable relative to the columnar support forconcealing the jack. Finally, the adjustable, flexible strap can foldover upon itself and can encase and protect the mechanically adjustableclamp.

[0016] The present invention also provides a method of concealing a jackusing a jack concealing kit with a columnar support. The methodcomprises the acts of first, providing a jack, then attaching the jackto the columnar support and adjusting the jack for securing the columnarsupport. Next is wrapping an adjustable, flexible strap about thesecured columnar support and adjusting the adjustable, flexible strapupon itself for securing the adjustable, flexible strap to the securedcolumnar support. The next act is wrapping an adjustable, stiff skirtabout the secured adjustable, flexible strap and the secured columnarsupport and adjusting and securing the adjustable, stiff skirt to thesecured adjustable, flexible strap and the secured columnar support.Installation continues by covering the attached jack with the securedadjustable, stiff skirt and concealing the attached jack from view,followed by mounting, adjusting, and securing a mechanically adjustableclamp in assembled relation around and over the secured adjustable,flexible strap, the secured adjustable, stiff skirt, and the securedcolumnar support maintaining concealment of the attached jack. The finalact is folding the secured adjustable, flexible strap over the securedadjustable, stiff skirt and the secured mechanically adjustable clampfor concealing the secured adjustable, stiff skirt, or at least aportion thereof, and for concealing and protecting the securedmechanically adjustable clamp.

[0017] In another embodiment, the present invention provides, incombination, a jack concealing structure for a columnar support of astructure. In this embodiment, the jack concealing structure comprisesan adjustable jack, a stiff skirt, and securement means. The stiff skirtis circumferentially adjustable about itself relative to the columnarsupport for concealing the adjustable jack. The securement means can beused for securing the stiff skirt to the columnar support for concealingthe adjustable jack, although in a variation of this embodiment thestiff skirt can be soldered to itself for slidable placement over thecolumnar support with or without securement means. Again, the adjustablejack is used for supporting and securing the columnar support. Stiffskirts, such as those constructed of malleable materials and shaped as asquare or circular shape, are presented and can have a folded edge and atab structure received in the folded edge for the adjustment aboutitself. Other means of circumferential adjustment include soldering,screws, machine nut and screw, nails, and the like. Moreover, anadjustable clamp member can be used for temporarily holding the stiffskirt when a folded edge and tab structure are not used. The securementmeans and the adjustable clamp find particular use when the stiff skirtis placed on an upper or top portion of the columnar support, forexample, when the adjustable jack is placed on top of the columnarsupport and below a roof frame and the like. The stiff skirt can also beplaced at the bottom of the columnar support for jacks used, forexample, to raise the columnar support up toward the roof frame and thelike.

[0018] A jack concealing kit for a columnar support is presented inanother embodiment and comprises a jack for supporting the columnarsupport and an adjustable shield member. The adjustable shield membercan be adjusted about itself for conforming to the columnar support andfor concealing and shielding the jack.

[0019] In a still further embodiment, in another combination, a jackconcealing structure is provided. This combination comprises a columnarsupport of a structure, an adjustable jack, and a stiff skirt. The stiffskirt is circumferentially adjustable about itself relative to thecolumnar support for concealing the adjustable jack and the adjustablejack being for supporting and securing the columnar support to thestructure.

[0020] In another embodiment, a jack concealing apparatus is providedfor a jack that is used for supporting a columnar support of astructure. The jack concealing apparatus comprises a stiff skirtconstructed of a malleable material. The stiff skirt can becircumferentially adjustable about itself relative to the columnarsupport for concealing the jack.

[0021] In a further embodiment, a jack concealing device for concealinga jack supporting a columnar support of a structure comprises a stiffskirt, a tie-down strap, and securement means. The stiff skirt isconstructed of a malleable material and is sized for wrapping aboutitself and for concealing the jack supporting the columnar support. Thetie-down strap is used for temporarily clasping the stiff skirt aboutitself and the columnar support. Securement means secure the stiff skirtto the columnar support.

[0022] Another embodiment discloses a jack concealing device for acolumnar support of a structure that comprises a jack, a stiff skirt,securement means, and a flexible skirt. The jack is used for supportingand securing the columnar support to the structure while the stiff skirtis constructed of a malleable material and is sized for wrapping aboutitself and for concealing the jack. Securement means secure the stiffskirt to the columnar support and the flexible skirt is constructed of afabric-type material and is sized for wrapping about the columnarsupport for concealing the securement means.

[0023] The present invention also discloses various methods. One methodof installing a jack concealing device comprises the acts of providing ajack, a columnar support, and the jack concealing device and theninstalling and securing the jack to the columnar support. The next actis wrapping the jack concealing device around the jack and the columnarsupport followed by wrapping the jack concealing device about itself.The following act is wrapping a tie-down strap around the wrapped jackconcealing device and then adjusting and securing the wrapped tie-downstrap for securing the wrapped jack concealing device to the columnarsupport.

[0024] Another method of installing a jack concealing device comprisesthe acts of providing a jack, a columnar support, and the jackconcealing device followed by wrapping and securing the jack concealingdevice about itself and sliding the secured jack concealing device overthe columnar support. The next act is installing and securing the jackto the columnar support and then sliding the secured jack concealingdevice over the jack.

[0025] The final method is a method of compensating for columnarshrinkage comprising the acts of providing a jack supporting a columnarsupport and providing a jack concealing device wrapped around the jackand secured to the columnar support for concealing the jack. The nextact is removing the jack concealing device for exposing the jack andthen adjusting the jack and the columnar support. Finally, the actconcludes with re-wrapping and re-securing the jack concealing deviceabout the jack and to the columnar support.

[0026] The present invention, therefore provides a columnar coveringdevice for a jack that has universal application with varying columnarconstruction sizes, shapes, and lengths, requires few working parts,reduces the likelihood of material waste, accommodates near immediateaccess for jack and material adjustments, due to such causes asshrinkage and swelling, and is easy to use and manufacture.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Other features of my invention will become more evident from aconsideration of the following detailed description of my patentdrawings, as follows:

[0028]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention showing an application of the columnar covering device for ajack as applied to a column of a log cabin-type structure;

[0029]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the presentinvention showing a strap member, a skirt member, and a band member;

[0030]FIG. 3 is a top sectional view of the band member of theembodiment of FIG. 2 showing one type of adjustment means, amechanical-type mechanism;

[0031]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a jack of the presentinvention supporting a columnar member, the jack having adjustablecapability;

[0032]FIG. 5 is a plan and cross-sectional view of a support plate ofthe jack of FIG. 4;

[0033]FIG. 6 is a plan and cross-sectional view of a base plate of thejack of FIG. 4;

[0034]FIG. 7 is a side view of an incremental adjustable supportmechanism of the jack of FIG. 4;

[0035]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the presentinvention showing installation and adjustment of the jack and columnarcovering device to the columnar member wherein the jack is placed underthe columnar covering at a bottom end of the columnar member;

[0036]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the installation andadjustment of FIG. 8 showing a downward fold over a strap member andsubsequent enclosure of a band member and a portion of a skirt memberconcealing the jack therein;

[0037]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the presentinvention showing installation and adjustment of the jack and columnarcovering device to the columnar member wherein the jack is placed overthe columnar covering at a top end of the columnar member;

[0038]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the installation andadjustment of FIG. 8 showing an upward fold over a strap member andsubsequent enclosure of a band member and a portion of a skirt memberconcealing the jack therein;

[0039]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention showing a stiff skirt and its folded edge and tab structure;

[0040]FIG. 12a is a perspective view of the stiff skirt of FIG. 12showing the various means for circumferentially adjusting the stiffskirt about itself;

[0041]FIG. 13 is a side view of the folded edge of FIG. 12;

[0042]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 12 showingapplication for concealing an adjustable jack and placement about acolumnar support near its bottom portion after either circumferentialadjustment about itself or slideable placement over the columnarsupport;

[0043]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 12 showingsecurement of the stiff skirt to the columnar support followingplacement around or over the columnar support for concealing theadjustable jack;

[0044]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention showing another stiff skirt;

[0045]FIG. 16a is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 16showing slideable placement of the stiff skirt over the columnar supportfor concealing the adjustable jack following secure connection of thestiff skirt to itself using solder or other welding means;

[0046]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the stiff skirt of FIG. 16showing application for concealing an adjustable jack and placementabout a columnar support near its bottom portion after eithercircumferential adjustment about itself or slideable placement over thecolumnar support;

[0047]FIG. 18 is perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 showingsecurement of the stiff skirt to the columnar support using anadjustable clamp member and following placement around or over thecolumnar support for concealing the adjustable jack;

[0048]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 18 showingcompleted placement and securement of the stiff skirt to the columnarsupport;

[0049]FIG. 19a is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 16showing slideable placement of the stiff skirt over the columnar supportfor concealing the adjustable jack following secure connection of thestiff skirt to itself using solder or other welding means;

[0050]FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing usage of the embodiment ofFIG. 12 on an upper portion of the columnar support;

[0051]FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing usage of the embodiment ofFIG. 16 on an upper portion of the columnar support;

[0052]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an embodiment showing securementof the stiff skirt to the columnar support using an alligator-typeadjustable clamp member and following placement around or over thecolumnar support for concealing the adjustable jack; and

[0053]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another embodiment of FIG. 12showing concealment of at least a portion of the stiff skirt andsecurement means following securement of the stiff skirt to the columnarsupport and placement around or over the columnar support for concealingthe adjustable jack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0054] Referring now to the drawings, the present invention concerns acolumnar covering device for a jack, illustrated by way of example inFIGS. 1-1 1. As discussed above in the Background of the Invention, itis very important to home and building construction and maintenance tomaintain a level roof surface as well as other surfaces. In particular,in the construction and maintenance of log cabins and other wood homes,wood shrinkage must be compensated for in order to maintain a level roofsurface, level deck surface, and so forth. In order to maintain thelevel surface, jacks and other devices can be used, as described below,for adjusting the columnar supports for leveling roofs and the like andfor compensating for shrinkage of the wood material. Concealment of thejack and quick access and adjustment of the jack to level the cabinstructures is therefore of paramount importance to the functionality,safety, and aesthetics of the cabin, home or structure. The presentinvention can provide these key features and can satisfy these needs.

[0055] It is not intended that the present invention be limited solelyto columns and wood construction nor to concealment of jacks, rather itis intended that the scope of the present invention also includes otherstructural supports, such as posts, beams, joists and the like, othermaterials, such as metals, synthetics, etc., and concealment of any itemused to secure the structural supports including jacks, blocks, otherstructural members, and so forth.

[0056] As is illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, one embodiment of the presentinvention discloses, a columnar covering device 10, or apparatus, forshielding a structure supporting device 12, such as a jack, that can besecuring a columnar support 14, such as a column, a post, a beam, ajoist, and so forth. The columnar support 14 can provide structuralsupport to a structure 16, such as the log cabin shown in FIG. 1. Otherstructures, including buildings, shops, signs, and the like are alsoincluded within the scope of this invention.

[0057] The columnar covering device 10, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,comprises a first adjustable band member 18, a second adjustable bandmember 20, and an adjustable shield member 22 for covering the jack 12.In a preferred embodiment, the first adjustable band member 18 is astrap, belt-like member, or vinyl clamp cover as it is known in otherembodiments. The clamp 18 has adjustment means 24 for wrapping (ArrowA-A in FIG. 9 and Arrow B-B in FIG. 11) the strap 18 around the columnarsupport 14, shown in FIGS. 1 and 8-1 1, and then over itself to secureit to the columnar support and to account for the variety of sizes,shapes, and dimensions of the columnar supports, including any circular,square, and irregularly shaped columns (i.e. knotted) and the like. Inthis way, the clamp 18 (and the columnar covering device 10 as a whole)can fit and adjust to any surface dimension, shape, and texture. Theadjustment means 24 can include Velcro, adhesive, nails, screws, nuts,bolts, rivets, and mechanical mechanisms. In addition, the strap 18 ispreferably an annular band member that has ends that can be disposed inlapped relation to adjust and secure the strap around the columnarsupport 14.

[0058] An important feature of the strap 18, described in detail below,is that it be constructed of a flexible material that is strong andresistant to degradation, such as from weathering elements and the like,but that can adsorb moisture and protect the underlying and adjacentwood members and other members. Materials could include synthetics (i.e.soft plastics), rubberized compounds, vinyl, cloth materials, andelastic materials. Excellent results are attainable where a soft easilyfoldable cloth material is used of any suitable type. In addition, thematerial could be manufactured to look like the material of the columnarsupport 14 that it will attach to for blending into the structure. Asthe strap 18 performs a concealing function by preferably foldingradially outwards and over itself (Arrows A-A in FIG. 9 and Arrows B-Bin FIG. 11) for reasons heretofore discussed, the material used mustallow the strap 18 to “reverse bend”, or bend over upon itself. In thisway, the strap can shield the second adjustable band member 20underneath and protect people from injuring themselves on it. The strap18 can also provide a moisture absorption barrier, if constructed fromsuch a material, that can prevent moisture from traveling down thecolumnar support 14 and contacting the entire columnar support and theunderlying floor surfaces.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable shield member 22 is askirt, shielding member, jack cover, or adjustable sleeve, as it isknown in other embodiments. The skirt 22 can be wrapped around the strap18 and the columnar support 14 and then overlap itself, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 8-11, to secure it to the strap and columnar support and toalso account for the variety of sizes, shapes, and dimensions of thecolumnar supports and jacks 12. The skirt 22 can also be sizedlengthwise to accommodate different gap and jack heights to account foraxial shifting (i.e. swelling, shrinking, etc.) as the jack 12 securesthe columnar support 14 and while maintaining concealment and protectionof the jack.

[0060] The skirt 22 is preferably constructed of a stiff material thatwill hold its shape in any orientation (i.e. right-side up, upside-down,sideways, or at any angle), will shield and conceal the jack 12 fromview and from weathering elements and the like, is strong, will beresistant to degradation due to the weathering elements and otherfactors, but which still allows quick access to the concealed jack withlittle effort followed by easy closing of the skirt. In addition, theskirt 22 must also be flexible so as to allow easy entrance into thejack for leveling adjustments and the like. Materials can also includesynthetics, rubberized compounds, paper products, stiff cloth materials,elastic materials, and so forth. Like the strap 18, the skirt 22 couldbe manufactured to look like the material of the columnar support 14that it will attach to so as to blend into the structure and provide auniform appearance. Adjustment and securement of the skirt 22 caninclude skirt adjustment means 26, such as overlap upon itself, Velcroor adhesive attachment, or mechanical mechanism.

[0061] The second adjustable band member 20 is a clamp, a screw bandclamp, or other similar clasping device as it is known in otherembodiments. The clamp 20 can be wrapped around the skirt 22, the strap18, and the columnar support 14, and then overlap itself, as shown inFIGS. 1-3 and 8-11. The clamp 20 can thereby function to secure theskirt to the strap and to the columnar support while accounting for thevariety of sizes, shapes, and dimension of the columnar support. Theclamp, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, can be constructed of a metal,synthetic, rubberized compound, rope material, and any other materialwithin the scope of this invention. A metal clamp having a clampadjustment means 28, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, is preferred.

[0062] Once clamped and adjusted, the strap 18 can be folded radiallyoutwards and over itself (Arrows A-A in FIG. 9 and Arrows B-B in FIG.11), the clamp 20, the skirt 22, and at least a portion of the columnarsupport 14, as shown in FIGS. 8-11. In this manner, the clamp 20 can behidden from view and protected and the columnar covering device 10 canblend into the columnar support 14, or at least provide an aestheticallypleasing addition to the columnar support while protecting andconcealing the jack 12, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0063] The structure supporting device 12, such as the jack, can includeadjustable jacks, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-7. In a preferredembodiment, the jack 12 is an adjustable jack that comprises a baseplate 30 (FIG. 6), an incremental adjustable support mechanism 32 (FIG.7), such as a nut and bolt system, and a support plate 34 (FIG. 5). Asshown in FIGS. 4 and 8-11, the columnar support 14 can have a hole 35drilled into an end 36, be it a bottom end 38 (FIGS. 8 and 9), a top end40 (FIGS. 10 and 11), a side, or at any angle or orientation that thecolumnar support may be angled at and to which is attached the jack 12or other support device. The hole 35 is preferably sized to fit theparticular incremental adjustable support mechanism 32 in such a way asto provide a secure fit. The support plate 34 should have a hole 42drilled through it for passage and adjustment of the incrementaladjustable support mechanism. The base plate 30 can also have a hole 44at least partially drilled into it to secure the incremental adjustablesupport mechanism from slippage.

[0064] An important feature of the present invention is that it can beprovided, manufactured, and sold as a kit, a jack concealing kit forcolumnar supports and the like. The kit could include the jack 12, thestrap 18, the clamp 20, and the skirt 22 or any permutation of theseitems, including the columnar support 14. The kit could also be part ofa larger package, such as a log cabin construction kit.

[0065] As mentioned above, the columnar covering device 10 is intendedto be placed at any orientation required by the columnar support 14. Inparticular, the columnar covering device 10 can be positioned at both oreither of the bottom end 38 (FIGS. 8 and 9) or the top end 40 (FIGS. 10and 11) of the columnar support 14 as needed or by design. Whenpositioned at the bottom end 38, the strap 18 can be folded downwards(Arrows A-A in FIG. 9) to cover itself, the clamp 20, the skirt 22, andat least a portion of the columnar support 14. When positioned at thetop end 40, the strap 18 can be folded upwards (Arrows B-B in FIG. 11)to cover itself, the clamp 20, the skirt 22, and at least a portion ofthe columnar support 14. Therefore, the materials chosen for the strapand the skirt should be stiff enough to hold their form and to concealthe jack 12 no matter what the directional orientation is.

[0066] In another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.12-23, a jack concealing structure 110 is provided for concealing theadjustable jack 12, jack, and the like (referred to as an adjustablejack, as discussed above, although even replacement of a non adjustabledevice is intended to be within the scope of the present invention) thatis supporting and securing the columnar support 14 of a structure 16,such as the cabin-type structure shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment,the jack concealing structure 110 comprises a stiff skirt 112 (alsoknown as an adjustable shield member) that can be circumferentiallyadjusted about itself for adjustment about or around the columnarsupport 14 that is supported by the adjustable jack 12, as illustratedin FIGS. 12-23. The stiff skirt 112 is preferably constructed of amalleable material, such as soft copper, that will conform around and tothe columnar support and its various shapes. The stiffness of thematerial also protects the underlying jack, holds its shape in anyorientation, and provides many, if not all of the features of theadjustable shield member 22 discussed above, in addition to addedrigidity and weather resistance.

[0067] In a manner similar to the adjustable shield member 22, the stiffskirt 112 is designed for being wrapped around the columnar support, asshown in FIGS. 12-23 by being wrapped about and secured to itself. Invarious embodiments, the stiff skirt can then be secured to itself by avariety of means, some providing easier access than others to theadjustable jack 12 while installed to the columnar support 14. Forexample, the stiff skirt can be circumferentially adjusted to itself byinserting a tab structure 114 into a folded edge 116 (FIGS. 12 and 13)whereby an edge of the stiff skirt is folded inside upon itself, arrowA, to create an opening or seam for receiving the tab structure 116 whenthe stiff skirt is closed in upon itself. In other examples, nails,screws, machine screws and nuts and the like (collectively identified as118 in FIGS. 12a and 16) and solder and welds (collectively identifiedas 120 in FIGS. 16a and 19 a) can be used for securing the stiff skirt112 to itself. The stiff skirt can also be sized (i.e. lengthwise) asneeded to cover the space required for the jack 12.

[0068] In practice, usage of the nails, screws, and the like 118 provideeasier in-use access to the adjustable jack 12 than do the solder andweld connections 120 (FIG. 16a) which provide a more constant bond.Usage of the parts 118 assist in a more immediate access to the jack byopening the stiff skirt to view and work with the jack therein. Theconstant bond of the stiff skirt 112 enables the stiff skirt to beplaced about the columnar support 14 by slidable placement like a sleeve121 over the bottom end 38 or the top end 40 as shown in FIGS. 14, 15,17, and 19 a-21, during installation and construction of the columnarsupport. Usage of the nails, screws, and the like 118, on the otherhand, allow the user to install the jack concealing structure 110 afterthe jack and columnar support have been installed and before, during, orafter adjustment of the same and as needed, as illustrated in FIGS. 12aand 16.

[0069] Moreover, the stiff skirt 112 can have a number of differentshapes and sizes or can be made to fit a number of different shapedcolumnar supports 14. The two most common shapes are square 122 (FIGS.12-15, and 20) and circular 124 (FIGS. 16-19 a and 21). Unlike the tabstructure 114 and the folded edge 116 (FIGS. 12 and 13) securementmechanism shown with the square shape 122, the circular shape 124 hasfree floating opposite ends 125 which are can be circumferentiallyadjusted by usage of the various means 118 and 120 discussed above,including creation of the sleeve 121 for slidable placement over thecolumnar support 14. To this end, the circular-shaped stiff skirt canrequire temporary use of an adjustable clamp member 126 (or cinchingmember as it is known in other embodiments) for temporarily holding thestiff skirt in circumferential adjustment about itself in preparationfor adjustment to itself and adjustment and/or securement to thecolumnar support 14, as illustrated in FIG. 18. For example, if thestiff skirt 112 is to be placed near the top end 40 of the columnarsupport (FIG. 21), then the adjustable clamp member 126 will hold thestiff skirt over the adjustable jack 12 and to the columnar support 14while the user secures the stiff skirt in that location. Once secured,the adjustable clamp member 126 can be removed (FIG. 19) and placed onanother stiff skirt and columnar support and the process repeated.Various types of adjustable clamp members 126 are contemplatedincluding, a screw band clamp, an alligator clip and strap (FIG. 22), arope, a synthetic clamp, and so forth.

[0070] In terms of securement to the columnar support 14 itself, thejack concealing structure 110 also comprises securement means 128, suchas nails, screws, machine screws and nuts, solder, and welds. Thesecurement means can be used to secure the stiff skirt to the columnarsupport 14 when it is deemed necessary, such as when the stiff skirt isplaced near the bottom end 38 (FIGS. 15, 18, and 19) or up near the topend 40 of the columnar support (FIGS. 20 and 21). In FIG. 15, lappededges of the skirt 112 can be secured by welds or other welding means inthe same manner shown in FIG. 1 6a where lapped skirt edges 125 aresecured together by welds 120. In some cases, securement means may notbe needed, in which case, a stiff skirt, such as that shown in FIGS. 15and 19a, can be held in place due to its own securement about itself orbecause it is resting on a floor surface or the like.

[0071] In addition, the jack concealing structure 110 can combine withthe jack 12 to form a jack concealing kit or can be combined with thecolumnar support 14, and/or the structure 16.

[0072] Moreover, FIG. 23 illustrates another embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the jack concealing structure 110 includes the jack,the stiff skirt 112, securement means 128, and a flexible skirt 129,such as discussed above in previous embodiments, that can fold uponitself in a secure fashion (i.e. overlapped with velcro or the like). Inthis embodiment, the addition of the flexible skirt, or fabric wrap, isincluded for covering the securement means and for filling any gaps orspaces that are inherent between the stiff skirt and the columnarsupport 14. This embodiment finds particular usage with the squareshaped columnar supports and square-shaped stiff skirts.

[0073] Hence, the columnar covering device 10 and the jack concealingstructure 110 can each provide an apparatus and means for concealingcolumnar supporting devices, such as the jack 12. The adjustability ofthe individual elements and parts discussed above allow the user toadjust, remove, replace, etc. each part to address each columnar support14 and its movement, dimensions, shapes, and physical characteristics.These adjustments can be made quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectivelyand can be made during the life of the columnar support 14 as thematerial ages, shrinks, swells, and so forth or if replacement columnarsupports have different length measurements. The simplicity of thedevice should also result in lower manufacture costs.

[0074] Finally, in usage the present invention provides various methods.One method is a method of installing a jack concealing kit 10 for acolumnar support 14, as shown in FIGS. 8-11. The method comprises theacts of first, providing a jack 12 and then attaching the jack to thecolumnar support 14 and adjusting the jack for securing the columnarsupport. The next act is wrapping an adjustable, flexible strap 18 aboutthe secured columnar support 14 and adjusting the adjustable, flexiblestrap 18 upon itself for securing the adjustable, flexible strap 18 tothe secured columnar support 14. What can follow is wrapping anadjustable, stiff skirt 22 about the secured adjustable, flexible strap18 and the secured columnar support 14 and adjusting and securing theadjustable, stiff skirt 22 to the secured adjustable, flexible strap andthe secured columnar support.

[0075] The next act is covering the attached jack 12 with the securedadjustable, stiff skirt 22 and concealing the attached jack from viewfollowed by mounting, adjusting, and securing a mechanically adjustableclamp 20 around and over the secured adjustable, flexible strap 18, thesecured adjustable, stiff skirt 22, and the secured columnar support 14for maintaining concealment of the attached jack 12. Finally, theinstallation is completed by folding the secured adjustable, flexiblestrap 18 over the secured adjustable, stiff skirt 22, or at least a partof it, and over the secured mechanically adjustable clamp 20 forconcealing the secured adjustable, stiff skirt 22 and the securedmechanically adjustable clamp 20. In this way the present invention canprotect the clamp 20 and the columnar support from moisture and users orother people, such as kids, from sharp edges on the clamp 20. Moreover,the strap 18 can conform to a variety of columnar support surfaces, bethey circular, square, irregular, etc. so that the device 10 can beuniversally used.

[0076] As discussed above, this installation can be performed right-sideup (FIG. 8 and 9), upside-down (FIGS. 10 and 11) or at any orientation.The installation is quick and easy and if adjustments or removal areneeded to the jack 12 or columnar support 14, then the a jack concealingkit 10 can be uninstalled quickly and easily and can be reused later onthe same or any other columnar support 14. To uninstall the kit 10, theprocedure can include the following acts: unfolding the securedadjustable, flexible strap 18, loosening and removing the mechanicallyadjustable clamp 20, uncovering the attached jack 12, unwrapping andremoving the adjustable, stiff skirt 22, unwrapping and removing theadjustable, flexible strap 18, and loosening and detaching the jack 12from the columnar support 14.

[0077] Moreover, the acts discussed above are preferably performedsequentially as disclosed, although the acts can be performed in anyorder that satisfies the scope and intent of the invention. For example,the skirt 22 could be placed on the columnar support 14 before the strap18 and then both could be bound by the clamp 20 before the strap isfolded over itself and the other parts.

[0078] Another method is illustrated in FIGS. 16-19, 21 and 22 is amethod of installing a jack concealing device that comprises the acts ofproviding the jack 12, the columnar support 14, and the jack concealingdevice 110 and then installing and securing the jack to the columnarsupport. The next act is wrapping the jack concealing device around thejack and the columnar support followed by wrapping the jack concealingdevice about itself. The following act is wrapping a tie-down strap 126around the wrapped jack concealing device and then adjusting andsecuring the wrapped tie-down strap for securing the wrapped jackconcealing device to the columnar support. Securement using securementmeans 128 can follow thereafter.

[0079] Another method of installing a jack concealing device,illustrated in FIGS. 14, 15, 17, and 19 a-21, comprises the acts ofproviding the jack 12, the columnar support 14, and the jack concealingdevice 110 followed by wrapping and securing the jack concealing deviceabout itself and sliding the secured jack concealing device over thecolumnar support, as a sleeve 121. The next act is installing andsecuring the jack to the columnar support and then sliding the securedjack concealing device over the jack.

[0080] Finally, a method of compensating for columnar shrinkage isillustrated in FIGS. 12-23 and comprises the acts of providing the jack12 for supporting the columnar support 14 and providing the jackconcealing device 110 wrapped around the jack and secured to thecolumnar support for concealing the jack. The next act is removing thejack concealing device for exposing the jack and then adjusting the jackand the columnar support as required to compensate for shrinkage andother typical factors. Finally, the acts conclude with re-wrapping andre-securing the jack concealing device about the jack and to thecolumnar support.

[0081] In construction and in usage the present invention thereforeprovides a columnar covering device for a jack that has universalapplication with varying columnar construction sizes, shapes, andlengths, requires few working parts, reduces the likelihood of materialwaste, accommodates near immediate access for jack and materialadjustments, due to such causes as shrinkage and swelling, and is easyto use and manufacture.

[0082] As various possible embodiments may be made in the aboveinvention for use for different purposes and as various changes might bemade in the embodiments and methods above set forth, it is understoodthat all of the above matters here set forth or shown in theaccompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. In combination, a jack concealing structure for acolumnar support of a structure comprising: an adjustable jack; a stiffskirt circumferentially adjustable about itself relative to the columnarsupport for concealing the adjustable jack; and securement means forsecuring the stiff skirt to the columnar support for concealing theadjustable jack, the adjustable jack for supporting and securing thecolumnar support.
 2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the stiff skirtis constructed of a malleable material.
 3. The combination of claim 2,wherein the stiff skirt is constructed of copper.
 4. The combination ofclaim 1, wherein the stiff skirt has a tab structure and an edge foldedover upon itself for receiving the tab structure for circumferentiallyadjusting the stiff skirt about itself.
 5. The combination of claim 1,wherein the stiff skirt is circumferentially adjusted about itself usinga nail, a screw, a machine screw and nut, or solder.
 6. The combinationof claim 1, wherein the stiff skirt has a tab structure and an edgefolded over upon itself for receiving the tab structure forcircumferentially adjusting the stiff skirt about itself and about thecolumnar support.
 7. The combination of claim 6, wherein the stiff skirtis circumferentially adjusted about itself and the columnar supportusing a nail, a screw, a machine screw and nut, or solder.
 8. Thecombination of claim 1, wherein the stiff skirt is soldered forcircumferentially adjusting the stiff skirt about itself and forsubsequent slidable placement around and over the columnar support. 9.The combination of claim 1, wherein the securement means is selectedfrom the group consisting of nails, screws, machine screw and nut, andsolder.
 10. The combination of claim 1, wherein the stiff skirt has asquare shape.
 11. The combination of claim 1, wherein the stiff skirthas a circular shape.
 12. The combination of claim 11, furthercomprising an adjustable clamp member for temporarily holding the stiffskirt in circumferential adjustment about itself in preparation foradjustment and securement to the columnar support.
 13. The combinationof claim 12, wherein the adjustable clamp is selected from the groupconsisting of an alligator clip and strap, a screw band clamp, a rope,and a synthetic clamp.
 14. The combination of claim 1, wherein the stiffskirt is welded for circumferentially adjusting the stiff skirt aboutitself and for subsequent slidable placement around and over thecolumnar support.
 15. The combination of claim 1, wherein the stiffskirt is secured to an upper portion of the columnar support.
 16. Thecombination of claim 1, wherein the stiff skirt is secured to a lowerportion of the columnar support.
 17. A jack concealing kit for acolumnar support comprising: a jack for supporting the columnar support;and an adjustable shield member for adjustment about itself, forconforming to the columnar support, and for concealing and shielding thejack.
 18. The jack concealing kit of claim 17, wherein the adjustableshield member is a stiff skirt having a tab structure and an edge foldedover upon itself for receiving the tab structure for circumferentiallyadjusting the stiff skirt about itself and about the columnar support.19. The jack concealing kit of claim 17, wherein the adjustable shieldmember is soldered to itself to form a sleeve for slidable placementalong the columnar support for concealing the jack.
 20. The jackconcealing kit of claim 17, further comprising securement means forattaching the adjustable shield member to the columnar support.
 21. Thejack concealing kit of claim 20, wherein the securement means isselected from the group consisting of nails, screws, machine screw andnut, and solder.
 22. The jack concealing kit of claim 17, furthercomprising an adjustable clamp member for temporarily holding theadjustable shield member in circumferential adjustment about itself inpreparation for adjustment and securement to the columnar support. 23.The jack concealing kit of claim 22, wherein the adjustable clamp isselected from the group consisting of an alligator clip and strap, ascrew band clamp, a rope, and a synthetic clamp.
 24. The jack concealingkit of claim 17, wherein the adjustable shield member has a square shapeor a circular shape.
 25. In combination, a jack concealing structurecomprising: a columnar support of a structure; an adjustable jack; and astiff skirt circumferentially adjustable about itself relative to thecolumnar support for concealing the adjustable jack, the adjustable jackfor supporting and securing the columnar support to the structure. 26.The combination of claim 25, further comprising securement means forsecuring the stiff skirt to the columnar support for concealing theadjustable jack.
 27. The combination of claim 26, wherein the securementmeans is selected from the group consisting of nails, screws, machinescrew and nut, and solder.
 28. The combination of claim 26, furthercomprising an adjustable clamp member for temporarily holding the stiffskirt in circumferential adjustment about itself in preparation foradjustment and securement to the columnar support.
 29. The combinationof claim 28, wherein the adjustable clamp is selected from the groupconsisting of an alligator clip and strap, a screw band clamp, a rope,and a synthetic clamp.
 30. The combination of claim 25, wherein thestiff skirt is soldered to itself for forming a sleeve for slidableplacement over and around the columnar support for concealing theadjustable jack.
 31. The combination of claim 25, wherein the stiffskirt is secured to an upper portion of the columnar support.
 32. Thecombination of claim 25, wherein the stiff skirt is secured to a lowerportion of the columnar support.
 33. A jack concealing apparatus for ajack supporting a columnar support of a structure comprising: a stiffskirt constructed of a malleable material, the stiff skirt beingcircumferentially adjustable about itself relative to the columnarsupport for concealing the jack.
 34. The jack concealing apparatus ofclaim 33, further comprising securement means for securing the stiffskirt to the columnar support for concealing the jack.
 35. The jackconcealing apparatus of claim 34, further comprising an adjustable clampmember for temporarily holding the stiff skirt in circumferentialadjustment about itself in preparation for adjustment and securement tothe columnar support.
 36. The jack concealing apparatus of claim 33,wherein the stiff skirt is soldered to itself for forming a sleeve forslidable placement over and around the columnar support for concealingthe jack.
 37. A jack concealing device for concealing a jack supportinga columnar support of a structure comprising: a stiff skirt constructedof a malleable material and sized for wrapping about itself and forconcealing the jack supporting the columnar support; a tie-down strapfor temporarily clasping the stiff skirt about itself and the columnarsupport; and securement means for securing the stiff skirt to thecolumnar support.
 38. The jack concealing device of claim 37, whereinthe stiff skirt has a circular shape.
 39. The jack concealing device ofclaim 37, wherein the tie-down strap is an alligator clip and strap. 40.The jack concealing device of claim 37, wherein the tie-down strap is ascrew band clamp.
 41. The jack concealing device of claim 37, whereinthe stiff skirt is secured to an upper portion of the columnar support.42. The jack concealing device of claim 37, wherein the stiff skirt issecured to a lower portion of the columnar support.
 43. The jackconcealing device of claim 37, wherein securement means is selected fromthe group consisting of nails, screws, machine screw and nut, andsolder.
 44. A jack concealing device for a columnar support of astructure comprising: a jack for supporting and securing the columnarsupport to the structure; a stiff skirt constructed of a malleablematerial and sized for wrapping about itself and for concealing thejack; securement means for securing the stiff skirt to the columnarsupport; and a flexible skirt constructed of a fabric-type material andsized for wrapping about the columnar support for concealing thesecurement means.
 45. The jack concealing device of claim 44, whereinthe stiff skirt has a square shape and has a tab structure and an edgefolded over upon itself for receiving the tab structure for wrapping thestiff skirt about itself.
 46. The jack concealing device of claim 44,wherein securement means is selected from the group consisting of nails,screws, machine screw and nut, and solder.
 47. The jack concealingdevice of claim 44, wherein the stiff skirt is secured to an upperportion of the columnar support.
 48. The jack concealing device of claim44, wherein the stiff skirt is secured to a lower portion of thecolumnar support.
 49. A method of installing a jack concealing devicecomprising the acts of: providing a jack, a columnar support, and thejack concealing device; installing and securing the jack to the columnarsupport; wrapping the jack concealing device around the jack and thecolumnar support; wrapping the jack concealing device about itself;wrapping a tie-down strap around the wrapped jack concealing device; andadjusting and securing the wrapped tie-down strap for securing thewrapped jack concealing device to the columnar support.
 50. The methodof claim 49, further including securing the wrapped jack concealingdevice to the columnar support with securement means.
 51. The method ofclaim 50, further including removing the wrapped tie-down strap fromsecured jack concealing device.
 52. The method of claim 51, furtherincluding removing the secured jack concealing device for adjusting thejack and the columnar support.
 53. The method of claim 49, whereinwrapping the jack concealing device about itself includes inserting atab structure into an opposing folded edge for securing the wrapped jackconcealing device about itself without the use of the tie-down strap.54. The method of claim 53, further including bending an edge of thejack concealing device upon itself for creating the folded edge andbending the jack concealing device to conform to the shape of thecolumnar support and for creating the tab structure.
 55. The method ofclaim 49, wherein wrapping the jack concealing device about itselfincludes conforming the jack concealing device to the shape of thecolumnar support.
 56. A method of installing a jack concealing devicecomprising the acts of: providing a jack, a columnar support, and thejack concealing device; wrapping and securing the jack concealing deviceabout itself; sliding the secured jack concealing device over thecolumnar support; installing and securing the jack to the columnarsupport; and sliding the secured jack concealing device over the jack.57. The method of claim 56, further including securing the secured jackconcealing device to the columnar support with securement means.
 58. Themethod of claim 57, further including removing the securement means foradjusting the jack and the columnar support.
 59. A method ofcompensating for columnar shrinkage comprising the acts of: providing ajack supporting a columnar support; providing a jack concealing devicewrapped around the jack and secured to the columnar support forconcealing the jack; removing the jack concealing device for exposingthe jack; adjusting the jack and the columnar support; and re-wrappingand re-securing the jack concealing device about the jack and to thecolumnar support.
 60. The method of claim 59, wherein removing the jackconcealing device includes removing securement means from the jackconcealing device and the columnar support.
 61. The method of claim 60,wherein removing the jack concealing device includes sliding the jackconcealing device over the columnar support for exposing the jackthereunder.
 62. The method of claim 60, wherein removing the jackconcealing device includes unwrapping the jack concealing device fromitself for exposing the jack thereunder.
 63. The method of claim 62,wherein unwrapping the jack concealing device includes removing a tabstructure from a folded edge.
 64. The method of claim 62, whereinunwrapping the jack concealing device includes removing overlappingopposing edges.
 65. The method of claim 62, wherein unwrapping the jackconcealing device includes removing securement means attaching the jackconcealing device to itself.
 66. The method of claim 59, furtherincluding removing a flexible skirt wrapped around the jack concealingdevice before removing the jack concealing device.